Who Is Pooja Kumari Jha? Indian Diplomat Who Raised Objection Over Incorrect India Map in Dhaka

Pooja Kumari Jha, a 2022-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer serving as Second Secretary (Political and Information) at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, has come into the spotlight after objecting to the display of an incorrect map of India during a foreign policy seminar in Bangladesh. The map depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, prompting Jha to state that the Union Territory is an "integral and inalienable part of India" and describe the depiction as "factually incorrect."

Following India's objection, former Bangladeshi diplomat Tariq A. Karim clarified that the map had been used only for "symbolic purposes" and "does not reflect the actual boundaries." The incident has drawn attention not only to India's position on territorial integrity but also to Jha's journey from a modest background to the Indian Foreign Service. US Backtracks, Deletes Trade Deal Post With India Map Showing PoK and Aksai Chin as Indian Territory.

Indian Diplomat Pooja Kumari Jha Objects to Misrepresented Map of India at Dhaka Seminar

Who is Pooja Kumari Jha?

Pooja Kumari Jha is a 2022-batch Indian Foreign Service officer currently posted as Second Secretary (Political and Information) at the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

She secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 82 in her first attempt in the 2021 UPSC Civil Services Examination, earning a place in one of India's most competitive civil services. What Tarique Rahman Said About India-Bangladesh Ties in His First Speech After the Election Victory (Watch Video).

Journey from Delhi to the Indian Foreign Service

Pooja grew up in Delhi in a family with limited financial resources. Speaking to The Better India after clearing the UPSC examination, she reflected on her aspirations and family background.

"Where I come from, even dreaming of passing this prestigious exam is considered a big deal." Recalling her father's encouragement, she said he often told her: "You can become anything, including a Bollywood actor, an astronomer, or an IAS officer."

Pooja is the fifth of six siblings. "I am the fifth daughter and I also have a younger brother. My family's desire for a son was fulfilled with his birth. My father has been working as an office helper in a private company in Gurgaon for almost 40 years, and my mother has been a housewife." She has spoken publicly about the financial challenges and societal expectations she experienced while growing up.

Speaking About Gender Discrimination

Pooja has also shared how gender bias shaped her early years. "In the community I come from, the birth of a son is highly valued. This mindset is so deeply ingrained that it took me years to fight it and change people's mindsets."

She said growing up in such an environment strengthened her determination to build her own identity through education. According to Pooja, although her parents tried to treat all their children equally, societal attitudes often favoured boys. She explained that celebrations surrounding the birth of sons and the comparatively muted response to the birth of daughters had a lasting impact on her and her sisters.

Education Became Her Motivation

Pooja said academic success became a source of motivation. "We sisters would connect and have long discussions about this inequality. It was during these conversations that I realized the need to bring about change."

She also recalled that performing well in school brought recognition and encouragement from her family. "Those were the days when I received more love than my brother. I looked forward to those moments."

She added that financial constraints meant the siblings studied in different schools over the years, including government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools, while being encouraged to excel academically.

Objection at Dhaka Seminar

Pooja Kumari Jha recently drew attention after objecting to an incorrect map displayed during a foreign affairs seminar in Dhaka. According to reports, she stated: “The map of India displayed here is incorrect. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.” The map reportedly depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan.

Following the objection, former Bangladeshi Ambassador Tariq A. Karim clarified that the map had been used only for "symbolic purposes" and "does not reflect the actual boundaries."

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has objected to representations that do not reflect its official position.

Pooja Kumari Jha's intervention in Dhaka has brought renewed public attention to the young diplomat, whose journey from a modest upbringing in Delhi to joining the Indian Foreign Service has often been cited as an example of perseverance through education. Her recent remarks at the seminar also reaffirmed India's longstanding position on the depiction of its territorial boundaries.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 06:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).